We've been taking our own water bottles and carrier bags out with us for some time, but it's clear that the plastic issue has reached breaking point, so we've decided to try to cut our single-use plastic as much as possible (the children are particularly keen to do something having watched Blue Planet 2). Here are a few (colourful and stylish) ways for families to cut their plastic waste.
As always, let us know if we have missed something and do share your ideas with us – you'll find us on Facebook and Instagram as @bambinogoodies.
Stargate Ecoffee bamboo cup, £7.99, Oxfam.
I've tried lots of reusable cups over the years and they all too often either leak or taint the taste of the coffee. These are the best I've found and, as a bonus, are biodegradable!
French-style string shopping bag, £3.95, Dotcomgiftshop.
The cotton string 'sac' is a classic way to avoid plastic bags, but now you don't need to stick to boring old cream – choose from green, orange, red, yellow, pink, black or blue.
Bamboo toothbrush, £13.99 for 4, Nature & My.
Trade in your plastic toothbrush for a bamboo one – this one also has castor bean oil bristles (they are usually made from nylon), so is completely natural and biodegradable.
A Slice of Green stainless steel container, £13.75, & Keep.
Take a stainless steel container to your local shops or supermarket and visit the cheese, meat and fish counters to avoid unnecessary packaging on off-the-shelf goods.
Light My Fire spork, £5.99 for four, Mind Your Fingers.
Eschew disposable plastic cutlery in favour of popping a three-in-one spork in your bag if you might be eating on the go. Also brilliant for camping and picnicking.
Shampoo Bar, £9.50, Shine.
The beauty industry is one of the worst culprits when it comes to plastic waste. Give bottles a miss and opt for soap and shampoo bars – this one is particularly lush.
Insulated bottle, from £20, Chilly's.
Most people I know seem to carry refillable water bottles around now. I'm a big fan of Chilly's – they really do keep drinks cold for 12 hours and the designs are fab.
Re-Sack produce bags, £8.45 for a set of three, Boobalou.
Fruit and veg packaging drives me mad – especially on bananas and avocados which have their own packaging! These net bags are a sustainable alternative to paper bags.
Klean Kanteen steel straws, £10.96 for set, Babipur.
Pubs and cafes across the UK have pledged not to use plastic straws, but kids do love a straw – solve the problem with this colourful stainless steel and silcone set.
Bee's Wrap beeswax sandwich wrap, £15, John Lewis.
Beeswax wrap is such a great alternative to the dreaded cling film. And it looks so pretty too – makes me think of Enid Blyton-esque picnics. Just add string.
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